Gringo's draw to
Cuenca should come as no surprise. The climate in this mountain city is temperate and the services are excellent - you can even drink the water right from the tap.
There are several universities and very good medical facilities, and there is construction everywhere.
I visited the city for the first time in 1996. What a change since then. For example, now there are new cars - then, there were old clunkers. The oil money and the investment in infrastructure by the president is making this city a showcase.
However, it is the culture - the respect for old traditions and values that are appealing to me.
The people are friendly and accepting. I love the small markets,city center has a European flair ... small streets, small shops. It is a small business mecca.Some things are very expensive here, like liquor; other items and services are not. For instance, a 90 minute massage is $35; gasoline runs about $1.25 a gal.
Many old haciendas have been converted to hotels or bed and breakfasts. Here we are having drinks at the
Mansion Alcazar, which was once the home of the Ecuadorian president and before that a very well-respected family. Today, it is one of the top places to stay in Ecuador.
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